Printable or Online resources

Ages 4-11. Each of these short stories is told from the point of view of one child who has a particular family situation and challenge to overcome related to parental incarceration. At the end of the story are two coloring pages for the child reader to write and illustrate his or her own story. In the back of the book, a guide for caregivers suggests ways to engage children in reading and talking about the story and helping them draw parallels to their own situations and challenges. Publisher: Safer Society Press, 2016

Ages 3-7. The incarceration of a loved one can be very overwhelming for both children and caregivers. It can bring about big changes and transitions. In simple everyday ways, you can comfort your child and guide her through these tough moments. With your love and support she can get through anything that comes her way. Here are some tools to help you with the changes your child is going through.

Storybooks

Ages 4-8 Inspired by a five-year-old whose father has been incarcerated most of her life. One day after visiting with friends who have both parents in the home, the little girl blurted out to her mother in frustration, “What is jail anyway, and why can’t Daddy be home with us?” Publisher: Lifevest Publishing, Inc., 2006 Spanish version available, Mami, Que Es una Carcel?

Ages 4 – 7. Sherman Smith saw the most terrible thing happen. At first he tried to forget about it, but something inside him started to bother him. He felt nervous and had bad dreams. This is a wonderful book for teachers or parents to use with younger children who have witnessed or experienced violence and trauma. Publisher: Magination Press, 2000.

Ages 4-7. A father and son share a special bond and then one day dad does not come home and no one talks about it. Later, the son receives a letter from dad. Their special relationship continues. Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, 2013

Ages 8-11. This book takes kids through the stages of a parent’s incarceration to help them understand and deal with their thoughts, fears and other feelings. This book offers well organized, truthful, and easy to understand explanations about the various aspects of having a parent in jail. Publisher: Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 1998

Ages 5- 11. A Resource for helping children cope with the incarceration of a loved one. It includes a read-aloud story, discussion guide, caregiver suggestions and optional small group counseling activities. Publisher: YouthLight, Inc., 2003

Young Adult. When his 9th grade language arts teacher tells him to pay attention to the poetry assignment or take a hike, Romar opts for the hike, walks out of Roseburg Oregon High School and embarks on a journey to find his mother. She’s in prison in Washington. Publisher: Pilcata Press, 2012.

Ages 8-12. Eleven-year-old Angel Morgan, despite her youth, is the head of her family. With a father in jail for robbery and murder, and Verna, her mother, too preoccupied with herself to care for anyone else, Angel looks out for her seven-year-old brother. She keeps a house key around her neck and taxi money in her sock, “just in case.” Publisher: Harper Collins, 2004.

Ages 4 – 8 A young girl and her grandmother make the long bus trip every month to visit the girl’s father in prison. On the ride they share food and hope and give comfort to others who make the trip with them. Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2002